6 Things to Do in Fall in New York
Make the Most of Your Fall in New York!
Visit New York in fall to take full advantage of the city’s ever changing foliage. As temperatures cool and autumnal trees shed their leaves, this iconic metropolis welcomes brilliant colors, crisper weather, and seasonal celebrations like Thanksgiving and Halloween. Theatre fans will also rejoice as world-class Broadway productions are in full swing during this time of year.
Food and drink lovers can sample a variety of fall-inspired treats and beverages. New York’s microbreweries produce pumpkin-based ales and beers, while cafes serve desserts made with pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon. Book an adventurous autumn vacation in New York and see the city from a new perspective.
What are the best things to do in fall in New York?
1. Opening nights on Broadway
See a smash-hit musical or powerhouse play
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
A palpable excitement fills Broadway’s theatres on opening night because fall is when new shows begin their run. Audience anticipation rises inside opulent venues like the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and the New Amsterdam Theater, which transport you into a fantasy world of Disney characters and musical numbers.
Alternatively, catch long-running Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, and Wicked which are bound to delight even the pickiest families. Off-Broadway, you’ll find smaller but popular cultural venues like Soho Playhouse, Asylum NYC, Cherry Lane, and the Orpheum Theater. Read more
Location: Broadway, New York, NY, USA
Opening nights on Broadway
2. A day in the park
Where to see the best autumn color in the city
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
As the crisp fall air settles in and leafy paths turn vibrant red and orange, NYC’s parks come alive with laughing children, picnickers, tourists, and in-line skaters. Central Park (arguably America’s most famous) provides an oasis of tranquility with its shimmering lakes and ponds, sunny meadows, and iconic eateries like Tavern on the Green.
On the West Side, expansive views of the Hudson River from the Greenway unfold under vibrantly colorful trees, while in Downtown, those out strolling can pick up a fresh bagel or a deli sandwich before heading to Washington Square Park or Battery Park to catch the latest street performers.
Location: New York, NY, USA
3. Shopping the latest fashions
Splash serious cash in the city’s boutiques and department stores
Good for: Budget, Luxury, Shoppers
Fall in New York delivers the season’s latest fashions to designer boutiques and major department stores which are peppered across the city. Marvel at the Madison Avenue window displays of luxury icons like Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang or work your way through ready-to-wear garments at retail giants like Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Along SoHo’s cobblestone streets, Prada, Chanel and other couture houses entice stylish shoppers with their cool, creative merchandise displays. Look for sample sales, so you can purchase clothes for a fraction of the price. Try DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Nordstrom Rack.
Location: New York, NY, USA
4. Catch a late-season ball game
Watch the Yankees and the Mets hit homerun after homerun
Good for: Couples, Families
True, you can hear the crack of the bat all the way across Manhattan during the summer months, but fall is when baseball really heats up, as the New York Mets and new York Yankees race to the playoffs.
Head up to the Bronx to catch a game at Yankee Stadium or venture out to Queens’ Citi Field for a hot dog, an ice-cold beer, and a game of Mets baseball. For those interested in local teams that aren’t Major League, seek out the talented Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island FerryHawks.
Location: New York, NY, USA
5. Al fresco dining
Bite into the Big Apple!
Good for: Food, Photo
Rest your feet at a New York City eatery in a gorgeous outdoor seating area. To admire the autumnal colors, stop for a sandwich at stately Bryant Park Café or swing by the Central Park Boathouse for views of the mirror-like lake, whimsical boat rentals, and delectable dishes like ricotta agnolotti with poached lobster tail and filet of beef with whipped potatoes.
As for patio and terrace restaurants, try Mezze on the River for Mediterranean fare, P.J. Clarke’s on The Hudson for American comfort food under a mature canopy of trees, or Milk & Roses in Brooklyn for tasty Italian plates in a plant-filled courtyard.
Location: New York, NY, USA
6. New museum exhibits
Immerse yourself in the city’s culture
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Museums and galleries in New York City showcase new exhibits in autumn. The Guggenheim draws large crowds by unveiling a new provocative display, while the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) showcases fresh collections unseen by the public.
Art lovers can head to the Frick Museum for compelling displays of creative works or to the Museum of the City of New York for exciting themed events. Don’t miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art—they house important pieces by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keefe.
Location: New York, NY, USA
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